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knasentjej's review
Jag fastnar verkligen inte för innehållet, karaktärerna eller språket, tyvärr. Jag ger helt enkelt upp.
lastpaige111's review against another edition
4.0
Brilliant writing, but a little depressing in its very real assessment of writers' potential to be anything other than hubristic. The characters are very "round," in the Forster sense, and New York is both glorified and vilified -- masterfully.
pennwing's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
asteria_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I liked this book a lot. It reminded me a lot of “A Little Life” in terms of writing style and flow. I just wish that it had been a bit more peppy, because I often found myself dozing off reading it.
sgorr's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
saranies's review against another edition
3.0
The characters were compelling. Self-centered, in that they can't seem to be bothered about a world outside of their privileged New York, well-educated existence. (And yes, even the characters who struggle financially momentarily are incredibly privileged, only they don't seem to notice it.) However, certain characters managed to be dynamic. I definitely enjoyed reading this, but I don't know that I'd put it on any best book lists.
thatotherlisa's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not sure what to say about this book. I enjoyed it more than my rating reflects. It's undoubtedly well-written. The author has some pretty effective tricks up her sleeve. She recreates a compelling world and tells a good story. But... I loathed almost every single character in it. The only character I did not loathe was such a one-dimensional doormat, that I feel I ought to loathe her too. And then there is the fact that the book is apparently about 9-11. But really it's about how 9-11 affects a bunch of self-centered jerks. It felt more like she used 9-11 as a plot point. Meh. I mostly enjoyed it, for what it's worth. I wish there were half stars.
laila4343's review against another edition
5.0
I don't really get why so many people hate this book. So I'm re-reading it.
babyruth510's review against another edition
2.0
I have no idea why this was considered one of the best books of the year last year. The characters were mostly self-centered 30 something NYers who were not likable.
beansbookclub's review against another edition
2.0
big no from me. i had read one messud book previously, and i recognized the name and thought "why not?" oof. this was a rough one to get through. but i am nothing if not committed.